Is a type of inflammatory arthritis that targets the joints of the spine.
A degenerative, arthritis like disease of the spine, ankylosis.
A condition occurring more frequently in young men, in which the vertebrae and sacroiliac joints are inflamed and become stiff.
Chronic disease, affecting primarily males under the age of 30, characterized by inflammation and stiffening of the spine and joints, sometimes leading to ankylosis, or fusion, of the involved joints. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory agents and pain relievers. Also called Marie-Strumpell disease.
Chronic inflammation of the vertebrae that leads to fibrosis, restricted movement of the vertebrae, and stiffening of the spine; treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
Inflammation and gradual stiffening of the joints in the spine and in nearby structures as a result of chronic progressive arthritis.
An inflammatory disease of the joints in the spinal column and back of the pelvis that may also involve the shoulder, hip, and knee joints. Ankylosing spondylitis generally develops in late adolescence or early adulthood and can lead to extreme rigidity, deformity, and a fusion of the bones involved.
A chronic progressive inflammatory disorder that, unlike other rheumatological diseases, affects men more often than women. It involves primarily the joints between articular processes, costovertebral joints, and sacroiliac joints, and occasionally the iris or the heart valves. Bilateral sclerosis of sacroiliac joints is a diagnostic sign. Affected persons have a high incidence of a specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA-B27), which may predispose them to the disease. Changes occurring in joints are similar to those seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Ankylosis may occur, giving rise to a stiff back (poker spine). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy are the primary forms of treatment.
An inflammatory type of arthritis characterized by the progressive fusion of spinal and pelvic bones due to the substitution of inflamed connective tissue with bone.
An infrequent inflammatory condition that impacts the joints connecting the vertebrae of the spinal column and the sacroiliac joints, which are situated between the spine and the pelvis, is known as ankylosing spondylitis. Furthermore, ankylosing spondylitis has the potential to affect additional major joints, including those in the hips.
The etiology of ankylosing spondylitis is often elusive, although certain cases of the disease may exhibit an association with colitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the colon, or psoriasis, a dermatological disorder. Familial tendencies have been observed in ankylosing spondylitis, with approximately 90 percent of individuals affected by the condition possessing the genetically determined histocompatibility antigen (HLA-B27).
The onset of ankylosing spondylitis typically manifests as discomfort and rigidity in the hips and lower back, exacerbated by periods of rest and particularly noticeable during the early morning. Additional, albeit less prevalent, symptoms encompass chest pain, heel pain resulting from excessive bone growth, and redness and discomfort in the eyes caused by iritis, which is inflammation of the iris. Over time, spinal inflammation can give rise to ankylosis, characterized by persistent stiffness and restricted mobility, as well as kyphosis, marked by curvature of the spine.
The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis can be confirmed through the utilization of X-ray imaging and blood tests. While no definitive cure currently exists, a comprehensive treatment approach involving physical exercise, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications can effectively alleviate pain and enhance range of motion. In certain instances, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may also be prescribed. In order to mitigate spinal curvature, patients are instructed in breathing exercises and techniques to enhance posture.